“know it all” attitude

ability to manipulate ideas

will consider others’ point of view

seeking to establish a more “distinct” identity

preparing to separate “emotionally” from family

increased interest and understanding of sexual relations

envy and jealousy predominate emotions

peer relations paramount; need for conformity and belonging

trying out alternative identities and roles — i.e. dress, music, mannerisms

“socially” move away from family

understands the meaning and implications of being adopted

acknowledges two sets of parents; ambivalence towards both

resurfacing grief related to loss of birth parents

may romanticize birth parents

discomfort with being “different”

re-ask question “Why am I adopted” seeking depth in answers

emotional search for birth parents

self-esteem challenged reconcept of early abandonment

integrate adoption into one’s sense of self